Upendra Tripathy

Former and Founding Director-General
International Solar Alliance, Former Secretary, Ministry Of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India

Mr. Upendra Tripathy, recipient of the Indian Prime Minister’s award for excellence in public administration, was the former and the founding Director General of International Solar Alliance – the first treaty based multilateral body to be headquartered in India – which made stellar progress during his tenure of 2017 to 2021.

He was also the former Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (2014-2016), who put MNRE in a different orbit with new ideas such as the 1st RE-INVEST, 175 GW of RE by 2022, Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of the States (AREAS, 2015), training of 57000 Solar Mechanics (Suryamitras), World Solar Museum, World Solar Bank, the Renewable Energy University and made outstanding  contribution towards planning and projectization of 175 GW target. He had the privilege to play a unique and important role in the transformation of the RE sector in India, post 2014, under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi and Minister Piyush Goyal. 

In ex-officio capacity, he has headed the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as Chairperson and transformed SECI from a loss making undertaking to a surplus generating PSU. He was also Chairperson of National Institute of Solar Energy, National Institute of Wind Energy, National Institute of Bio Energy, and Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS). He also coordinated and speeded up the implementation of India’s Green Energy Corridor with One Billion Euro of loan finance from Kfw. 

Institution building abilities of Mr Tripathy and his innovations got reflected in the establishment of Hassan Kalamandir (1989), Akshayar Foundation (2001), Environmental Management Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) (2003), turnaround of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) (2003-2008), institution of Nrupathunga  Literary Award in Karnataka (2008), establishment of the Centre for infrastructure,  Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) (2009),  Other awards that recognise his abilities, excellence and innovative thinking, are – Extra-Ordinary Citizens’ Award from Rotary International 2008, Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) Award 2016 for outstanding contribution to India’s Renewable Energy Sector, 10th Enertia LifeTime Achievement Award- 2016 and UBM 2016 as Crusader of the year for Renewable Energy. He was adjudged one of the 100 most influential actors globally
by the Apolitical.

What helps Mr. Tripathy in being an outstanding administrator of great eminence is his 42 years of diverse experience in and across related sectors- land administration, rural development, agriculture, education, social inclusion, environment, petroleum and natural gas, and transportation. He has worked in global, federal, provincial and local administrations in India, apart from spending four years in Carleton university, Ottawa and a stint in the Indian Embassy in Brussels. 

Mr Tripathy currently is the honorary Principal Adviser (Education) to the Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, with the rank and status of a minister of State. He is also an Adjunct Professor at NIAS, and advises several organizations in matters related to energy,
environment and climate justice. He can be reached at utripathy@gmail.com.

The Times Group presents
ET Now Global Business Summit 2025

Evolve | Emerge | Expand

Contact Us

For Enquiry:

Follow
Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube

Conceptualized & Executed by

Refund Policy | Privacy Policy | Whistle Blower Policy | Terms of Use

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.

The Next Gen: DISRUPTION

Economic Disruption: We live in an era of disruption in which powerful global forces are changing how we live and work. Powerful disruptions are changing our world. The gig economy, remote work, and the sharing economy have disrupted traditional employment models. The new generation is often at the forefront of these economic changes, seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.

Technological Disruption: The new generation is witnessing rapid technological advancements and digital transformation. They are at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes, leading to disruptions in various industries. Examples include the rise of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. Frontier technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are boosting productivity growth, raising prosperity, and replacing mundane or dangerous tasks. They have the potential to do good across a wide range of domains, from healthcare to education

Cultural Disruption: Social movements and changing cultural norms are disrupting traditional societal structures. The new generation is actively involved in advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, challenging the status quo and pushing for more inclusive societies. The connection between resilience, equity and inclusion is widely accepted by policymakers: evidence has shown that creating more equitable and inclusive societies is a crucial part of any economic strategy focused on resilience and recovery.

This will close in 49 seconds

The Next Gen: DEVELOPMENT

Skill Development: The new generation places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. They prioritize continuous learning, self-improvement, and mental well-being. Tools like online courses, self-help apps, and social networks play a significant role in their development journey. It is important to have a conversation about how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. Half of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold.

Sustainable Development: This generation of leaders bears the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacies of their businesses while actively championing sustainable practices across businesses, governments, local communities, and personal lifestyle changes to secure a brighter future for the planet. Sustainability, the buzzword across the world today, will have to take on a new avatar and become the soul of every organization - business or otherwise. Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.

Social Development: The next generation is deeply rooted in creating positive change in society by incorporating CSR, promoting digital literacy, improving access to quality education, and supporting public health initiatives. Smart living is about adapting the fruits of technology through models that are scalable, profitable and, importantly, ecologically and socially more sustainable.

This will close in 49 seconds

The Next Gen: DIVERSIFICATION

Geographical Diversification: The prime focus of the new-gen leaders will be on a geographic diversification strategy, either domestically or internationally, aiming to integrate its products and services as a routine in consumers’ lifestyles. This will mitigate the risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. In an interconnected world, diversity, shaped by globalization and technological advances, forms the fabric of modern society.

Business Diversification: The strategic expansion and diversification of businesses with investments in newer business avenues, will enhance the return on investment, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of the next-generation leaders' eagerness to innovate. Companies are discovering that, by supporting and promoting diverse products and services, they are gaining benefits that go beyond the optics.

Workforce Diversification: To achieve geographical and business diversification, the next generation of leaders will aim at prioritizing workforce diversity, to boost job growth and create together a multitude of ideas and perspectives, igniting innovation and creativity. In times of increasing disruption and uncertainty, companies need to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) for the benefit of their culture — and their bottom line.

This will close in 49 seconds